# NTSB FTW86FA107: Piper PA-31-350, N3539K, Huffman, TX, June 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1986, 13:03 local (18:03 UTC)
- Place: Huffman, TX
- Coordinates: 30.059942, -95.090347 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0599&lon=-95.0903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21910
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21910/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA107

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Undetermined, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS BEING VECTORED AROUND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA JUST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. DURING THE LAST RADIO CONTACT THE PILOT WAS ISSUED A VECTOR TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. DURING THIS TURN, FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND DESCENDED FROM THE ASSIGNED ALTITUDE OF 6,000 FT MSL TO THE GROUND IN APPROXIMATELY 40 SECONDS. THE AIRCRAFT REPORTEDLY WAS IN CLEAR WEATHER CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME AND HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED ADVERSE WEATHER DURING THE ENTIRE FLIGHT. THE PILOT DID NOT MENTION ANY PROBLEMS DURING THE RADIO TRAMSNISSION WITH ATC. IMPACT IN A SHALLOW LAKE OCCURRED WHILE IN A NEAR VERTICAL NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE RIGHT PROPELLER WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN FEATHERED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT WHILE THE LEFT PROPELLER WAS SET IN THE CRUISE RANGE. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE OR PROPELLER WAS DISCOVERED DURING POST ACCIDENT TESTS. PATH AND TOXI EXAMS REVEALED NO PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS. PLTS FLT TIME RECORDS NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3539K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3539K-2006-03-15), registration cancelled 2006-03-15, S/N 31-7912116, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-325](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-325) (registry code 7103105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-7912116
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-J2BD 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Southern Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LCH, LAKE CHARLES, LA
- Destination: HOU, HOUSTON, TX
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH, 14 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860613024139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860613024139A), Jun 13, 1986: Piper PA31325, Huffman, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Near vertical impact in a lake. Was being vectored around thunderstorms. Right engine feathered no other findings.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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